WA to host major tourism trade show

Western Australia has won the right to host one of Australia’s biggest tourism industry trade shows, with up to 200 tourism operators and 300 travel agents attending in Perth. Corroboree Asia 2016, a Tourism Australia initiative aimed at showcasing what Australia has to offer, will be held September 4-8, 2016 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

 Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the timing of Perth hosting the event could not be better with the city undergoing a major transformation and many projects finalised or nearing completion. Corroboree Asia 2016 is a great opportunity to show 300 travel agents from some of our key markets such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan just how much and how quickly our city has matured in recent years,” Dr Hames said. The event will feature tours of some of Perth’s tourism hot spots to give the agents the chance to experience them first hand.

“From the opening of Elizabeth Quay and Perth Arena to the redevelopment of Perth Airport, our thriving small bar and restaurant scene and new hotels opening, Perth is truly developing its own identity and becoming an attractive destination in its own right. When you add to this Western Australia’s indigenous culture, natural environment, pristine beaches, enviable climate and laidback lifestyle, our city has a lot to offer visitors from Asia.”

The Minister said winning the right to host Corroboree Asia, on top of the hosting last month of the first Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in WA since 2009, was proof that the rest of Australia was recognising Perth as an important and valuable national tourism asset.

“Tourism generated 94,000 jobs and $8.9 billion in visitor spend last year, making it a vital industry for WA’s economy,” he said. “The State Government has a strategy in place to increase visitor spend to $12 billion by 2020, and trade events such as Corroboree Asia 2016 helps us raise awareness and increase the number of visitors to WA from key Asian markets.”

For more information, visit: http://www.tourism.australia.com/home.aspx